20+ Must-Read Books for Women in Their 30s to Empower and Inspire

What if the right books could help you embrace your 30s with clarity, courage, and purpose? Form #1 New York Times bestselling career guide 'Girl, Stop Apologizing' by successful business owner Rachel Hollis to Brené Brown's self-help advice in 'The Gifts of Imperfection' with over 2 million copies sold, the following books for women in their 30s are the foundation for your self-growth plan.

Featured in the Headway library of book summaries, these titles are rich with real-life experiences and inspirational stories about beautiful things and challenges, success and failure, as well as a continuous path toward self-discovery.

Whether you're building your own business or just figuring out what to do with your life at this stage, In this guide, we’ve curated 20+ empowering books every woman in her 30s should read — covering career growth, relationships, mental wellness, and self-discovery. Get ready to find insights that will empower you in every area of life!

In this article, you’ll learn:

• Quick recommendations for busy readers — including bestselling self-help, inspiring memoirs, career advice, and thought-provoking fiction.

• Expert picks from authors like Brené Brown, Rachel Hollis, and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie — covering self-discovery, career growth, relationships, and personal empowerment.

• Which relationships and love books every woman in her 30s should read — with insights to build meaningful connections in this transformative decade.

• How to choose the right book with Headway — whether you want to build confidence, navigate life changes, or spark new passions.

Best nonfiction books for women in their 30s

Below, we have the best books to read in your 30s. We've designed this booklist to empower, educate, and entertain. So, whether you're navigating heartache, love, loss, or even success, these book recommendations will support you through the next decade of life.

20 career advice and personal growth bestsellers

Level up your mindset and professional path with these top-rated books. From career clarity to self-improvement, these bestsellers offer practical, proven strategies to help you grow.

1. 'Girl, Stop Apologizing' — Rachel Hollis

While Amazon offers plenty of good books for your 30s, this one deserves special attention. Your 30s are the perfect opportunity to let go of other people's opinions and focus on being true to yourself.

In this self-help guide, Hollis encourages women to advocate for their dreams. She helps readers work toward improving their self-esteem rather than playing the roles they've been given and making excuses.

2. 'What the Most Successful People Do Before Breakfast' — Laura Vanderkam

If you want to change your lifestyle, successful people are often the blueprint for doing so. Countless nonfiction books have analyzed their habits, including how they spend their mornings. Similarly, Vanderkam wrote this book l to help readers become more productive.

She focuses on small, manageable shifts that make a big difference. Getting your mornings right in your 30s might sound like a drag, but it could be what you need to kick-start your days.

3. 'The Making of a Manager' — Julie Zhuo

So you're approaching your 30s, and people expect you to have everything figured out. This is simply unrealistic for most of us. Life presents challenges no matter your age. Having a stable career is a significant part of this decade. Still, not everyone has the same opportunities or follows the same path.

For those just getting started in their career, Julia Zhuo explores the fundamental lessons for someone stepping into a leadership role for the first time. In this great book, the author teaches you to adapt to new roles and build your confidence, whether you are 25 or 35.

4. 'The Gifts of Imperfection' — Brené Brown

Embracing your true self, shaped by your life experiences, is a major theme in your 30s. Rather than being somebody you think everyone will like, this book teaches you the importance of being your true self.

Being at peace with yourself is a huge part of building self-esteem, which Brown, the host of the "Dare to Lead" podcast, addresses in this book. 'The Gifts of Imperfection' is a globally recognized text everyone in their 30s should read.

5. 'Burn Out' — Emily Nagoski and Amelia Nagoski

There are some fundamental differences between men and women. According to the authors of this book, the way we experience burnout is one of those things.

'Burn Out' is rooted in science and aims to provide practical advice for balancing emotions, reducing stress, improving your mental health, through understanding the stress cycle, particularly focusing on women's wellness.

6. 'The Moment of Lift' — Melinda Gates

If you're looking for a helpful book on gender inequality, 'The Moment of Lift' is for you. Prepare yourself to hear fresh perspectives on a prevalent subject. In this account, you'll hear from inspiring individuals and relevant data to support each idea.

Alongside Bill Gates, Melinda Gates is a co-founder of the Gates Foundation. Within their private charity organization, their work centers on gender inequality, helping all people lead happy and fair lives. 

7. 'Girl, Wash Your Face' — Rachel Hollis

Your 30s are a time of transformation and being honest with yourself. Although your peers might have families, careers, or are traveling the world, not everyone has defined their path. The truth is most 30-somethings feel they haven't. 'Girl, Wash Your Face' is a book about honesty and identifying which lies govern your life.

This title focuses on debunking societal myths and empowering women to live their lives according to their own truth, highlighting the importance of honesty in self-discovery. Are you doing what makes you truly happy, or are you following what you think you should be doing? This brutally honest narrative delves into the author's candid and raw portrayal of her life experiences, making the reader feel a close connection with her.

8. 'Daring Greatly' — Brené Brown

In this book, Brown covers topics from love, parenthood, and leadership. The author explores the power of vulnerability and how it can lead to changes in your life. Readers will unlearn the notion that being vulnerable is a weakness. Instead, this book empowers women in their 30s to take control of their emotions because you find true strength when you surrender to vulnerability.

9. 'Attached' — Amir Levine and Rachel Heller

While we don't suggest reading over counseling, readers have likened this next book to attending therapy. In 'Attached,' you'll learn about the scientific approach to attachment styles and how understanding this can alter your experience of love.

Although we suggest this book to women, it's a fantastic read for anyone before they turn 30. You'll learn about attachment theory and insightful techniques to apply to your romantic life.

10. 'Between the World and Me' — Ta-Nehisi Coates

'Between the World and Me' is a moving read which offers women in their 30s a book from a different perspective. Written as a letter to his young son, the author attempts to answer challenging questions about American history, race, and the experience of living as a Black man.

If you're looking to read beyond your own experience and gain a deeper insight into the lives of others, Coates' book is the one to read.

12. 'Big Friendship' — Aminatou Sow and Ann Friedman

Friendships are essential throughout life, whether you're in your 30s or not. The authors discuss what makes good friends and how to maintain meaningful connections, even when you're busy. If you're preparing to turn 30, add 'Big Friendships' to your list of books to read before 30 and beyond. 

13. 'I Thought It Was Just Me (But it Isn't)' — Brené Brown

The social expectations during one's 30s are daunting. You may be questioning if you are on the right path and when you'll start a family, if at all. Those pressures can fuel your 30s with anxiety and stress when it should be a time of adventure.

Once again, Brené Brown makes the list of books every woman should read in her 30s. This bestseller opens you up to reality and helps you accept challenges when they arise.  

14. 'The Alchemist' — Paulo Coelho

If you're looking for fiction books to read in your 30s, 'The Alchemist' is a parable about following your desires and listening to your heart. Readers around the world praise this book for its life-changing and inspiring message. If you have a dream to fulfill, you can read or listen to the core lessons in 'The Alchemist' on the Headway app. 

15. 'We're Going to Need More Wine' — Gabrielle Union

Renowned actress and activist Gabrielle Union shares stories for all women in their 30s. In this New York Times bestseller, Union shares personal stories from her real life, career, and challenges faced as a Black woman, highlighting the dynamics between two women and showing us all what life is like as a modern woman. 'We're Going to Need More Wine' makes for a captivating read that injects humor and heartbreak onto the pages.

16. 'Reasons to Stay Alive' — Matt Haig

Reasons to Stay Alive is one of those books to read before you turn 30, similar to how 'Eat Pray Love' by Elizabeth Gilbert is often recommended for self-discovery in one's 30s. Matt Haig shares advice for people suffering from depression and those who aren't, offering universally beneficial insights.

It's a book everyone should pick up, whether you're 20, 30, 40, or above. Readers will discover the lessons Haig learned on his journey battling mental illness and how to apply them to everyday life.

17. 'Dear Ijeawele' — Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

This book intimately depicts how to raise a child to be a feminist. What started as a letter to the best friend turned into one of the best books for moms in their 30s and a daily guide for living life. It is an intimate read touching on parenthood and gender inequality.

'We Should All Be Feminists' is another fantastic work by the same author that helps readers understand what the term feminist actually means.

18. 'The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks' — Rebecca Skloot

In 1951, the medical industry changed forever when Henrietta Lacks passed away. This account tells the moving story of Henrietta and her family, how her cells still live on today and the questions that follow her immortal life. Rebecca Skloot attempts to answer challenging questions about the medical field and the injustices that followed Henrietta's family.

19. 'Tiny Beautiful Things' — Cheryl Strayed

Your job or relationships are often the defining factors in your 30s. It can leave many people, especially women, to fight internal battles about what they truly want from life. When things get tough, 'Tiny Beautiful Things' is the book that will catch you when you fall.

Despite the social expectations and the challenges of everyday life, this book is here to empower. Strayed offers advice on love, loss, and life, including personal journeys to lose weight, in hopes it'll bring you closer to your most joyful self.

20. 'Nice Girls Don't Get the Corner Office' — Lois P. Frankel

Throughout history, women have adapted their behavior to society's criteria. Although we've come a long way in the past century, many women still fall subject to pleasing people even when it disregards their own needs.

In 'Nice Girls Don't Get the Corner Office,' the author details women's unconscious decisions that hold them back, particularly in their careers. This book shows women how to step out of the people-pleasing trap and start advocating for themselves in the workplace.

Top books on relationships, love, and connection

As a woman in her 30s, you may be navigating the complexities of romantic relationships, building strong connections with friends and family, and exploring what it means to love and be loved.

The books in this section offer a range of perspectives on relationships and love, from the challenges of dating and partnerships to the power of female friendships and the importance of self-love. Whether you're looking for advice, inspiration, or simply a new perspective on love and relationships, these books are sure to resonate.

Some popular reads that explore relationships and love include:

• 'The Year of Yes' by Shonda Rhimes

• 'Daring Greatly' by Brené Brown

• 'The Gifts of Imperfection' by Brené Brown

• 'Girl, Wash Your Face' by Rachel Hollis

• 'The Multi-Hyphen Method' by Emma Gannon

These books offer a range of perspectives on relationships and love, from the importance of vulnerability and self-acceptance to the power of female friendships and the challenges of dating and partnerships.

Find more personal growth books for women on the Headway app

You can still have fun and continue to learn in your 30s! Headway makes it easier to stay inspired and read more books, even if you're living a busy lifestyle. Whether you're juggling work, family, or personal pursuits, our online library of nonfiction book summaries offers a quick, efficient way to explore life-changing books with just 15 minutes a day.

You'll gain access to bite-sized book summaries in both text and audio formats to make your self-learning experience more personalized. These concise, in-depth overviews of popular titles will empower you to gain new insights fast, helping you decide if a book aligns with your goals before committing to the full read. It’s a perfect solution for busy women seeking self-improvement, career advice, and relationship wisdom.

Download the Headway app today to start your self-growth and cultivate healthy habits no matter where life takes you.